Note: the initial timelines shared in this news release have since been revised. Please refer to the CaféTO webpage for the most up-to-date information.
Mayor John Tory announced that registration for CaféTO is open for 2022. Starting today, local restaurant and bar operators interested in expanding their outdoor dining space into the curb lane and onto sidewalks can register and apply for permits online at Toronto.ca/CafeTO.
The CaféTO program provides more outdoor dining areas by making space in the public right-of-way available to bars and restaurants and by expediting the application and permitting process for sidewalk cafés and curb lane cafés in accordance with public health guidelines.
New for 2022, café operators are eligible for a matching grant of up to $7,500 to cover 50 per cent of the cost of eligible property or site improvements related to curb lane café installations, sidewalk cafés or patios on private property, through the CaféTO Property Improvement Program.
In November 2021, City Council directed staff to reinstate the permanent permitting process for sidewalk cafés in 2022, while continuing to waive all application, transfer and permit fees.
A new streamlined, online permit application process, means businesses need only apply once for year-round expanded sidewalk cafés. Businesses can now submit application documents and complete payment in one convenient online system.
Obtaining a permanent sidewalk café permit will provide benefits to businesses, including a one-time permit application that can be renewed through the annual business licence process. This will provide certainty for businesses in terms of their permitted sidewalk café space, which allows for greater confidence when considering investments in café furnishings.
Registration for temporary curb lane cafés closes Saturday, April 2 at 11:59 p.m. Restaurant and bar operators must not miss the registration deadline as applications received after the deadline may not be able to be accommodated. Businesses who miss the deadline and are not able to be accommodated in 2022 can reapply next year.
Once applications are received, City staff will create traffic management plans to safely close curb lanes and develop a balanced approach to curb lane use to support all businesses, including loading zones, garbage/recycling pickup zones, bike parking, etc.
Pending public health orders, approved CaféTO curb lane locations would be installed as early as mid-May – in time for the May long weekend.
In order to ensure valuable curb lane space is used to its maximum benefit, businesses must operate their curb lane area during normal business hours for at least one meal service a day, three times a week.
CaféTO also supports restaurant and bar operators to expand outdoor dining opportunities on private property. The City has enacted temporary use Zoning Bylaws to permit larger outdoor patios than would otherwise be permitted and to allow outdoor patios in parking lots.
City staff have worked closely with the Toronto Association of Business Improvement Areas (TABIA) and local restaurant and bar operators, as well as accessibility stakeholders and others to continually improve the CaféTO program. Some of these improvements include:
In 2021, CaféTO supported 1,213 restaurants with curb lane cafés, of those 1,055 were in BIAs and 158 were outside of BIAs. An additional 65 public parklets in 39 BIAs were activated. The program provided 940 restaurants with curb lane closures, which converted 12,000 metres (12 kilometers) of traffic lanes into new outdoor dining space for restaurants.
Restaurant operators are encouraged to add their restaurant to Destination Toronto’s ToGoToronto.com, a free listing of Toronto restaurants that are open for safe takeout, delivery and patios as public health restrictions allow. The platform was created by Destination Toronto in partnership with the City of Toronto to continue to support the economic recovery of the restaurant community. Learn more at ToGoToronto.com.
Details about CaféTO, including how to register, are available at Toronto.ca/CafeTO.
Quotes:
“We’re launching CaféTO registration now so this patio program will be up and running as soon as possible to help support restaurants and bars in the spring. Through the program, 1,200 restaurants were supported with curb lane and sidewalk cafés in 2021. Restaurant and bar patios are an integral part of Toronto’s economy and contribute to the energy and vibrancy of our city. We continue to encourage everyone to support Toronto’s bars and restaurants now by ordering takeout and delivery as much as possible.”
– Mayor John Tory
“The CaféTO program supports both residents and the hospitality industry by providing eligible restaurants and bars with the opportunity to welcome more patrons through extended patios on roadways, sidewalks and private parking lots.”
– Councillor Jennifer McKelvie (Scarborough-Rouge Park), Chair of the Infrastructure and Environment Committee – Councillor Jennifer McKelvie (Scarborough-Rouge Park), Chair of the Infrastructure and Environment Committee
“Throughout the pandemic, outdoor dining options have been essential to businesses and residents alike, while also making Toronto’s streets more vibrant and dynamic. Therefore, I’m delighted that CaféTO will continue to support local restaurants and allow them to incorporate expanded outdoor dining options into their long-term plans. I encourage operators not to miss out and submit their applications ahead of the April 2 deadline.”
– Deputy Mayor Michael Thompson (Scarborough Centre), Chair of the Economic and Community Development Committee
“TABIA is proud to support the City in its efforts to help restaurant and bars through the CaféTO program, which has helped hundreds of restaurants stay open, generate revenue and protect jobs through the pandemic.”
– John Kiru, Executive Director at Toronto Association of Business Improvement Areas (TABIA)
Toronto is home to more than 2.9 million people whose diversity and experiences make this great city Canada’s leading economic engine and one of the world’s most diverse and livable cities. As the fourth largest city in North America, Toronto is a global leader in technology, finance, film, music, culture and innovation, and consistently places at the top of international rankings due to investments championed by its government, residents and businesses. For more information visit the City’s website or follow us on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook.